NUJ FCT, Nizamiye Hospital partner on free medical outreach

…Applauds FG on elimination of drug tariffs

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council in collaboration with Nizamiye Hospital, a private medical facility, on Monday unveiled plans for free medical outreach in the month of June and during its upcoming Press Week.

Chairman, NUJ FCT, Comrade Grace Ike disclosed this in Abuja, during an interactive session with Nizamiye Hospital’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar.

While deliberating on the areas of collaboration, particularly in health advocacy and community service, she explained that the initiative was aimed at promoting public health awareness and provide free healthcare services to journalists within the Federal Capital Territory.

ALSO READ: Insecurity: Kwara South students call for stakeholders’ engagement

Comrade Ike who eulogised Nizamiye Hospital’s dedication to quality healthcare and its ongoing community support efforts, reaffirmed the Union’s commitment towards raising awareness about local healthcare solutions and improving the welfare of its members through strategic partnerships.

“We look forward to a stronger partnership beyond this medical outreach.

“For example, issues like supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in partnership with States are not well publicized.

“Our platform can help amplify such causes across the country, given that we represent all journalists in the FCT.

“We also have our own news platform and website, which can be used to further promote these initiatives. This collaboration is just the beginning of a broader partnership beyond the medical outreach,” she noted.

In his remarks, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar expressed readiness to support the Press Week by offering series of medical outreach for Journalists

“We welcome this kind of partnership. All we need is a formal letter outlining the outreach plan, and we will proceed together.”

Abubakar urged the media to highlight the quality healthcare options available locally to help reduce the increasing trend of medical tourism.

He also shared the hospital’s successful outreach programmes, which have served thousands of Nigerians in Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Owerri among others.

“In Kefi, we treated about 2,500 patients over two days. In Katsina, around 2,250; in Bauchi, approximately 2,700; and in Owerri, about 1,700.

“Just last week, we attended to about 800 people, including those from neighboring areas who rushed to the venue.

“We initially planned to see between 1,500 and 2,000 patients. We also left remaining medications at the local facility for continued use,” he explained.

Abubakar added, “Our outreach covers multiple specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, and dentistry.”

According to him, the outreach programmes are part of the Hospital’s corporate social responsibility to assist the less privileged in the society as well as promote well-being of the people.

He further commended the Federal Government for taking off import tariffs on pharmaceuticals, noting that this policy would significantly improve access to essential medicines.

“It’s not all about business but also helping people. For instance we pay so much on electricity and keep our foreign doctors” he added.

He said medical tourism remains one area the media should tackle and create more awareness on treatments in Nigeria.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE